Obituary of Billy Albert Foster

Billy Albert Foster was born on September 6, 1954, in Monroe, Michigan. He was one of ten children born to the union of Charles and Barbara Foster. Billy attended Erie Mason High School and although he did not graduate, he was proud to earn a GED later in life. After obtaining his GED Billy enrolled at Monroe County Community College. 

To provide for the needs of his family, Billy was employed at the National Galvanizing Company as a welder.  He retired in 2004 after twenty years of service.

On February 24, 1984, at the Monroe County Courthouse, Billy married the love of his life, the former Nancy New and together they were blessed with one son: Andrew. Billy was an all-around handyman and earned the nickname the “Professor” because of his ability to engineer, design, pre-fabricate and fix almost anything.  He enjoyed tinkering with cars and often referred to himself as a “Barnyard Mechanic”, being a self-taught mechanic. When Billy wasn’t fixing something or working on a project for someone, he enjoyed the peace and quiet of a good sci-fi or fantasy book or dove into his favorite car magazine.  Although most will remember Billy as a talented handyman and mechanic, for those who knew him best, he will be remembered as a very kind, gentle and humble man that loved his family and friends and made sure all around him were laughing as he put their needs before his own.

Billy Albert Foster, age 69 of Monroe, passed away peacefully on Friday; December 1, 2023, at his home surrounded by loving family and under the care of the ProMedica Heartland Hospice. His passing was preceded by his parents: Charles and Barbara Foster, a stillborn son: Dustin Albert Foster in 1984; two brothers: Charles S. and Jimmy D.; and one sister: Barbara Foster.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his loving wife of thirty-nine years: Nancy Foster of Monroe; a son: Andrew (Nicole Betz) Foster of Maybee, Michigan; five sisters: Lilly Foster, Mary Lashlee, Nancy Foster, Linda Foster, and Tine (Terry) Jarvis; a brother: Robert Foster (Michael Weaver); a sister-in-law:  Patricia Weaver; and his feline companion: Lilly Belle.

Friends may gather from 12:00pm until 3:30pm on Friday; December 8, 2023, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe, 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Billy’s Life will be held at 3:30pm also at Merkle’s with Pastor BJ McDaniel of One Way Christian Fellowship Church officiating.  Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.

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